DON’T be alarmed if you see a giant turtle on a kayak, paddling down the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal tomorrow (April 5).

That will be Emily Easman, a 19-year-old Bridgwater student who is trying to raise funds and awareness for turtle conservation work.

Emily studies conservation biology at the University of Exeter and has been accepted onto a voluntary placement working with sea turtles in North Cyprus this summer.

Emily, who lived in Bridgwater all her life before moving to Exeter, said: “This is an incredible opportunity for me, from building career prospects to simply being an amazing experience for me personally.”

“I decided to kayak as a turtle because I’ve always been outdoorsy and have been doing a little bit of kayaking while at university.

“I have fond memories of the canal from when I was younger. My grandparents live right alongside the canal and I can remember feeding all the ducks and birds with my Nan, who sadly passed away a few years ago.”

Emily’s kayak run is to raise money for the Marine Turtle Conservation Project and the Society for the Protection Of Turtles.

Emily will be starting her run at 10am tomorrow from the Firepool Lock by the Old Cattle Market in Taunton where the canal meets the River Tone, and from there kayak right down to the Bridgwater Docks to finish.

To sponsor Emily, visit her facebook page facebook.com/emilyhelpssometurtles or pick up forms at Shauls Bakery in Bridgwater where there will also be donation boxes.